We are two weeks into a nasty heat wave in the Portland area. Sunrise is the only time of day when you can bird in any comfort and hope to find any birds active and singing. So I got up early and did a bird survey at Fernhill, then made a quick stop at Jackson Bottom on the way home.
Some of the flowers have gone to seed, providing forage for both American (above) and Lesser (below) Goldfinches.
The refurbished wetlands at Fernhill have lots of tree trunks installed vertically to provide perches for birds like this Great Blue Heron.
Green Heron
This Downy Woodpecker was checking out some of the new plantings around the water garden at Fernhill.
a young Killdeer, at that awkward teenager stage
Spotted Sandpipers are the other shorebird that nests at Fernhill and Jackson.
Checking the sky for falcons
This Common Garter Snake was very thick in the middle. I assume she is gravid. Garters give birth starting in late July. Broods are typically around a dozen, but broods of over 80 young have been reported.
male Tree Swallow, being all sparkly
Ethical Birder 